Prime Minister, Hon. James Marape this morning officiated at the PNG National Day at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka where he underscored the close, enduring 51-year-old bilateral partnership of Papua New Guinea and Japan.
At the National Day Grand Hall, where participating countries are given a day to highlight their country’s participation with a National Day, the Prime Minister addressed the audience comprising mostly Japanese dignitaries and public.
His address was preceded by Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Fujii Hisayuki and school children singing national anthems of the two countries.
Prime Minister Marape emphasised the importance of PNG’s participation in the World Expo in Japan, especially because of the strong relationship between the two countries.
He said, “It is a profound honour for PNG to be part of this global stage in which we celebrate human achievements in technological innovations, as much as we seek to further collaborate for consolidation and advancement in those areas.
“The Expo also gives us a stage to bring out and display our culture in its different manifestations. Papua New Guinea applauds and extends our deepest appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for successfully hosting this magnificent event and for the warm hospitality extended to our delegation.
“Expo 2025—under the shared inspiring theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”-provides an exceptional platform for nations to come together, share ideas, forge partnerships, and envision a more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative future.
“As a country with a rich cultural heritage, we take this opportunity to showcase to the world our identity, our values, and our potential. Through our participation at Expo 2025, we seek, not only to celebrate who we are, but to extend a hand of friendship and collaboration to Japan and its people, and to the global community.
“Our National Pavilion reflects our commitment to shared opportunity and partnership grounded in the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation. It tells the story of a resilient people, a thriving natural environment, and an emerging economy poised to take its rightful place in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
“Papua New Guinea is open for business, for tourism, for cultural exchange, and for meaningful partnerships in all possible areas that deliver sustainable development for all.
“Today’s celebration holds deep significance for us. It falls within a monumental year for Papua New Guinea as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of our Independence on 16th September 2025; and 50 years of diplomatic relations between Papua New Guinea and Japan — a friendship grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and enduring cooperation.
“Expo 2025 Osaka is an exceptional opportunity for Papua New Guinea to share our story with the world. It also gives us a chance to pursue new avenues of cooperation in sustainable development, trade and investment, special economic zones development, green technology, tourism, and innovation.
“Our government is firmly committed to building a resilient, diversified, and inclusive economy, as we advance the development of our Special Economic Zones as key drivers of national growth, while expanding our agriculture, fisheries, and energy sectors,” said Prime Minister Marape.
The Prime Minister spent the day at the expo site on Yumeshima Island visiting various national pavilions of interest, including the PNG National Pavilion. He will finally address a reception in the evening to end his Osaka leg of the trip before heading to Tokyo on Tuesday (22.07.25) for official engagement with the Prime Minister of Japan Shigeru Ishiba.